Good Restaurants in Xuhui District (Shanghai)

O'Malley's Irish Pub

Irish to the core, O'Malley's has a friendly Irish band, Irish bartenders and managers, and a not-so-friendly German Shepherd. Housed in a refurbished mansion dating back to the 1920s, the pub's quaint, wooden interiors appeal with nooks and crannies. Expatriates flock here for football games on the big screen television. In warmer months, customers can be found on the bar's famous patio. O'Malley's knows how to serve a pint of Guinness or Kilkenny just right. It also offers a surprisingly innovative menu with dishes that are a considerable notch above average pub grub.

Onegin Bar

A little bit off Heng Shan Road, at the other end of Dong Ping Road, this little two story house has changed from a Hong Kong-style restaurant to a Russian Bar and restaurant. For the time being, it mainly functions as a bar. The bartenders are extremely friendly. The place is quiet and hardly ever crowded.

Beni's

Although it was the first bar to open on the entertainment street,near Heng Shan Road, in 1995, Beni's has remained more or less unnoticed by the foreign crowd, that is until recently. The small bar is usually jam-packed with people who enjoy inexpensive drinks while listening to live music. Great to share a pint of beer with fellow travelers.

Keven Cafe

Wondering where to have breakfast, head towards Kaven Cafe. This is the place for early birds, a cafe with a comfortable ambience. Here you'll find everything from your favorite breakfast cereal to the regular Chinese treats. You can choose to feast on your order within or have it in the garden, when the weather is fine. This place can be a bit pricy, so if you don't mind shelling out that extra buck then you are more than welcome.

Maya

Under management of the Shen Shen Group, this fashionable club has the 30-something market in Shanghai cornered. The Filipino Face Band and house DJ take turns getting the trendy crowds onto the dance floor. Stark and modern, the decor of cold, dark stone, cement and glass mixes well with the welcoming softness of the sofas and chairs. The main bar is located on the other side of a maze-like den of booths with black glass divisions.

Sasha's

The compound housing Sasha's has a long history. Once home to Chiang Kai Shek and his wife, Soong Mei Ling, during the civil war, it later fell into the hands of Mao Ze Dong's wife Jiang Qin. Today, the restored three-story house is home to the venerably chic Sasha's, comprising of a bar, restaurant and patio. Sasha's famous patio attracts diners on sunny afternoons and is ideal for Sunday brunches. Inside, the tasteful wooden interiors equally appeal. Despite the beauty of its decor, most people come to Sasha's for its well-prepared Continental cuisine.

Planet Shanghai

So it is not the most original name ever, but the food, service and prices are great in this popular café. Frequented by expats, yuppie locals and tourists, due partly to its convenient location on bustling Huai Hai Road. Spacious, dark green interiors provide a relaxing, cozy atmosphere. Outdoor seating and reading materials are available. Escape the business lunch and dinner crowds by coming for Saturday lunches. Sink your teeth into generously-filled sandwiches ranging from all-American burgers to gourmet creations. The pasta is equally popular and satisfying. Sweet tooths will find plenty of cakes to choose from. A lighter alternative is the fruit platter.

Le Garcon Chinois

Perfect for an intimate, romantic dinner, this place is worth seeking out, despite its hard-to-find location. Built in a quaint, old French house, the whimsical decor definitely charms visitors. The cuisine is wide-ranging: sandwiches, pizzas and casual fare are available on the first floor. A formal restaurant/bar on the second offers a selection of fine Continental cuisine, and the third floor is dedicated to modern takes on Chinese dishes.

Luka Restaurant

Luka is the second name for fresh Italian cooking. It is a restaurant designed with a mix of old and new styles. Step into the Roman culture and enjoy some of the best Italian cuisines made from fresh ingredients bought in the local markets.

Old Shanghai Long Tang Restaurant

Tracing its origins back to the early Shanghai period, this century old restaurant is a great place to satisfy your appetite. Come by to feast on homemade delicacies cooked artistically. The chef carefully picks the ingredients himself, to offer you the freshest of the season. Come by and feast on the delicacies fresh out of the oven.

Jule Wu

All your searches for sushi in Shanghai end at Jule Wu. Besides it is located in the Xuhui district with several hotels in the neighboring area. You can enjoy a variety raw fish, broiled meats, grilled vegetables, and noodles in the relaxing setting of the restaurant. Sake and beer compliment the food perfectly. Prices are moderate and the service not over the top.

Tian Shang Gu Wu Restaurant

This is the place for people on the run and are too busy to actually sit back and have a relaxed meal. This eatery mainly attracts young crowds. But, whether young or old, you are most welcome to come and sample the various items on offer. Come by and savour the delicious dumplings.